Renewing Your Child’s CHIP Coverage: Key Deadlines and Mistakes to Avoid

Renewing CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) coverage on time is just as important as getting approved the first time. Many families lose coverage for their children not because they stop qualifying, but because of missed deadlines, lost mail, or simple paperwork mistakes.

This guide from HowToGetAssistance.org explains how CHIP renewals typically work, what deadlines to watch for, and the most common pitfalls that can lead to a gap in coverage. This site is not an official government agency or enrollment portal, but it can help you understand what to expect so you can use official channels more confidently.

Understanding CHIP Renewal Basics

CHIP is a state-run health coverage program for children (and sometimes pregnant people) in families that earn too much for Medicaid but still need help with health insurance costs.

Once your child is approved, coverage usually lasts for a set period (often 12 months). After that, your state agency reviews eligibility again to decide whether your child can stay covered.

Automatic vs. Active Renewals

States generally use one of two approaches:

• Automatic (or “ex parte”) renewals

  • The state tries to verify income and other information using data it already has (tax records, wage reports, etc.).
  • If everything checks out, your child may be renewed without you having to send new documents.
  • You may still get a notice confirming renewal or asking you to report any changes.

• Active renewals

  • The state sends a renewal packet or notice asking you to respond by a deadline.
  • You might need to update information and/or send proof of income, address, and household size.
  • If you do not respond by the deadline, coverage can end.

Which method your state uses can vary by year, by family situation, and by available data. Even if your state often uses automatic renewal, never assume it will happen every year. Always read any mail, emails, or texts from your state Medicaid/CHIP agency or local benefits office.

How CHIP Renewal Notices Usually Work

Most families receive at least one renewal notice before the coverage period ends. These notices typically arrive:

• By mail to the address on file
• Sometimes by email, text, or online portal message
• Occasionally via phone calls or robocalls from the state agency

What’s Usually in a CHIP Renewal Notice

A typical renewal notice might include:

• Your child’s name(s) and case number
• The coverage end date
• Whether you need to do anything or if the state will attempt automatic renewal
• A deadline to return forms or respond
• A list of documents you may need to provide
• How to renew: online, by mail, by phone, or in person
• Information on appeals or fair hearings if coverage is ended

If you are not sure whether a letter is official, you can call:

• The number listed on the back of your child’s CHIP insurance card
• The state Medicaid or CHIP customer service line
• Your local county or human services office

Ask them to confirm whether the notice came from the state’s official benefits system.

Typical CHIP Renewal Timeline and Deadlines

Every state sets its own process, but many follow a similar general pattern.

Common Renewal Timeline

Use this as a rough guide; always follow your official notice:

Key Deadlines to Watch

The most important dates to keep track of are:

• Your child’s current coverage end date
• The deadline to submit renewal forms or documents
• Any extra deadline if the agency requests missing information
• The appeal or fair hearing request deadline if coverage is reduced or ended

If you miss a deadline, contact your state’s CHIP or Medicaid office as soon as possible. In some cases, if you submit everything within a short grace period, coverage can be restarted without a long gap. That timing depends on state rules.

Documents Commonly Needed to Renew CHIP

You may not always have to send documents—sometimes the agency can verify information on its own. But when documentation is required, these items are frequently requested:

Identity and Household

• Photo ID for the parent or guardian (driver’s license, state ID)
• Social Security numbers for children, if they have them
• Birth certificates or immigration documents for children, if previously requested
• Proof of household size (lease listing household members, school records, or information about who lives in the home)

Income and Employment

• Recent pay stubs (usually last 4–6 weeks)
• An employer letter stating hours and pay, if pay stubs are not available
• Self-employment records (profit and loss statements, invoices, bank statements)
• Proof of unemployment benefits, Social Security income, or other cash benefits

Residence and Contact Information

• Current address (utility bill, lease, mortgage statement)
• Current phone number and email so the agency can contact you quickly

Your renewal notice or online portal will usually have a specific list for your case. If you’re unsure, call your local benefits office and ask them which documents are needed for your child’s CHIP renewal.

Step-by-Step: How to Renew CHIP Coverage

The exact steps vary by state, but most families can renew their child’s CHIP coverage using one or more of these official channels:

1. Online Through the Official Benefits Portal

Many states allow you to:

1. Log into the state’s official benefits or Medicaid/CHIP website.
2. Click on your case or renewal section.
3. Review and update income, household, and contact information.
4. Upload documents (pay stubs, ID, etc.) if requested.
5. Submit the renewal online and save/print the confirmation page or number.

To find the correct site, look at:

• Your renewal notice (it usually lists the web address)
• Official state government sites ending in “.gov”

Avoid third-party websites that promise faster approval or charge fees. These are not official.

2. By Mail

If you receive a paper renewal form:

1. Check that your name, address, and household details are correct.
2. Update any changes in income, jobs, or family members.
3. Attach copies (not originals) of requested documents.
4. Mail everything to the address listed on the form well before the deadline.
5. If possible, use a mailing method where you can track delivery.

3. In Person at a Local Office

Some families prefer or need to renew in person:

1. Visit your county human services office, Medicaid/CHIP office, or social services office.
2. Bring all relevant documents with you.
3. You may:
   • Fill out paper forms, or
   • Get help submitting a renewal online at a kiosk or with staff.

You can usually find the right office by searching for your state name + “CHIP office” or “Medicaid office” or by calling 211 for general state program information.

4. By Phone

In some states, you can complete parts of your renewal by phone:

1. Call the official state Medicaid/CHIP customer service number.
2. Confirm your identity.
3. Review and update your information with the representative.
4. Ask how to submit any required documents (often by upload, fax, mail, or in person).

Document requirements are usually the same regardless of how you renew.

Common Pitfalls That Can Cause Coverage Loss

Many families lose CHIP coverage for reasons that do not have to do with eligibility. Knowing these pitfalls can help you avoid them.

1. Ignoring or Missing Renewal Mail

Problem: Renewal notices go to an old address or get tossed as junk mail.

How to avoid it:

• Always report address changes to your state agency as soon as possible.
• Check mail carefully for any envelopes from:
  • The state health department
  • The Medicaid/CHIP agency
  • Your county human services or social services office
• If you moved recently, call your state’s CHIP hotline to confirm they have your current address and contact information.

2. Missing the Response Deadline

Problem: Waiting until the last week (or last day) to send forms or documents.

How to avoid it:

• Note the deadline date on your calendar, phone, or fridge.
• Aim to submit everything at least 7–10 days before the deadline.
• If you know you cannot gather documents in time, call the state agency to ask if there are options or if partial information can be submitted first.

3. Not Reporting Income or Household Changes

Problem: Failing to tell the agency about a new job, lost job, new child, or someone moving in or out of the household.

How to avoid it:

• Keep a list of major changes in your family situation and income.
• Report significant changes to your local office or through your online account as soon as they happen.
• Be honest and accurate; incorrect information can cause:
  • Delays
  • Requests for more documentation
  • Coverage ending or being adjusted later

4. Incomplete or Unreadable Documents

Problem: Sending documents that are blurry, cut off, or missing pages.

How to avoid it:

• Make sure names, dates, and dollar amounts are clearly visible.
• If uploading photos:
  • Take pictures in good light
  • Capture the entire document
• If sending copies, do not cut off top or bottom margins where dates or names appear.
• If you’re unsure whether something is acceptable, ask a caseworker or call your state’s CHIP or Medicaid line.

5. Assuming Automatic Renewal Will Happen Every Year

Problem: Believing that because coverage was automatically renewed once, it will always renew that way.

How to avoid it:

• Open every letter or email from the state agency.
• Log into your online benefits account a month or two before renewal is due to check your status.
• If you haven’t heard anything and your coverage end date is approaching, call the official hotline and ask about your child’s renewal status.

6. Confusing CHIP With Marketplace or Employer Coverage

Problem: Switching to a private or employer plan without comparing coverage dates, which can cause overlap or gaps.

How to avoid it:

• If your child gains employer-based or other eligible coverage, report it to the CHIP program as required.
• Review start and end dates carefully to avoid your child being uninsured.
• If CHIP ends and your child does not qualify for other coverage, ask the state agency about:
  • Medicaid
  • Marketplace (Affordable Care Act) plans
  • Possible special enrollment periods

What Happens After You Submit a CHIP Renewal?

Once you return your renewal forms and documents, the state agency will usually:

1. Review your information to see if your child still qualifies.
2. Check income against program limits for your household size.
3. Confirm that your residence is still in the state.
4. Decide to:
   • Renew coverage
   • Request more information
   • Deny or end coverage (if eligibility rules are not met)

Types of Notices You Might Receive

You may get:

• An approval or renewal notice with new coverage dates
• A request for additional information (with a new deadline)
• A denial or closure notice explaining why coverage is ending or not renewed

If you receive a request for more information, respond as quickly as possible, using the methods listed (upload, mail, fax, or in person).

If Your Child’s CHIP Coverage Is Denied or Ends

Sometimes a child’s CHIP coverage is not renewed because:

• Household income is now above the CHIP limit
• The child is now eligible for Medicaid instead of CHIP
• The child gained other qualifying insurance
• The state could not verify information or did not receive your documents on time

Steps to Take if You Disagree With the Decision

If you believe your child still qualifies:

1. Read the notice carefully. Look for:
   • The reason for denial or closure
   • The deadline to request an appeal or fair hearing
2. Call your state CHIP or Medicaid office to clarify what information is missing or incorrect.
3. Ask how to:
   • Submit updated documents
   • File an appeal or request a fair hearing if you want a formal review

Appeal procedures vary by state but generally involve:

• Filling out a form or sending a written request
• Sometimes attending a hearing by phone or in person
• Presenting documents or explanations supporting your case

If you choose to appeal, do it before the deadline listed in your notice. In some states, if you appeal quickly, your child’s coverage might continue during the appeal, but this is not guaranteed and depends on state rules.

Options If Your Child No Longer Qualifies for CHIP

If your child cannot stay on CHIP, there may be other coverage options:

• Medicaid:
  Some children who lose CHIP may qualify for Medicaid, especially if your income has decreased.

• Employer coverage:
  If a parent or guardian has job-based insurance, check whether dependent coverage is available and what the costs and benefits are.

• Health Insurance Marketplace (ACA plans):
  Families who lose CHIP may qualify for a special enrollment period to buy a plan through the federal or state Marketplace. Some families may receive premium tax credits to help with costs.

To explore these options:

• Contact your state Medicaid/CHIP office.
• Call the official Marketplace call center for your state or the national Marketplace.
• Look for local health insurance navigators or assisters through your state’s official websites or by calling 211.

How to Be Sure You’re Using Official Channels (and Avoid Scams)

When renewing CHIP coverage, it’s important to make sure you’re dealing with official government offices, not third-party companies or scammers.

Signs You’re on an Official Channel

• Website address ends in “.gov” for state or federal agencies
• Phone number is listed on:
  • Your CHIP insurance card
  • Your official renewal notice
  • The state or county’s official government website
• In-person office is clearly marked as:
  • Department of Human Services
  • Department of Social Services
  • Medicaid/CHIP office
  • Or another official county or state agency name

Red Flags to Watch Out For

• Anyone asking for upfront fees to renew CHIP
• Websites that ask for credit card information to submit an application
• Promises of “guaranteed approval” for a price
• Unsolicited calls or texts asking for full Social Security numbers, bank account details, or other sensitive data without verifying identity or case details

If you’re unsure whether a website, phone number, or office is legitimate, you can:

• Call the number on your child’s CHIP card
• Contact your local county benefits or human services office
• Dial 211 and ask for help connecting to your state’s official Medicaid/CHIP agency

Quick Renewal Checklist ✅

Use this checklist to stay on track with your child’s CHIP renewal:

• [ ] Confirm your current mailing address, phone, and email are updated with your state agency.
• [ ] Watch for renewal notices 1–3 months before coverage ends.
• [ ] Mark the renewal deadline and coverage end date on your calendar.
• [ ] Gather common documents:
  • [ ] Income proof (recent pay stubs, benefit statements)
  • [ ] ID and Social Security numbers (if required)
  • [ ] Address proof (lease, utility bill)
• [ ] Renew using an official channel (state portal, CHIP/Medicaid office, official hotline, or mail).
• [ ] Keep copies of everything you submit.
• [ ] Check for approval or follow-up notices after you submit.
• [ ] If coverage is denied or closed and you disagree, review appeal options before the deadline.

By staying aware of your deadlines, keeping your contact information current, and responding promptly to renewal notices, you can help reduce the risk of unexpected gaps in your child’s CHIP coverage. For case-specific questions or to start a renewal, reach out directly to your state’s CHIP or Medicaid agency, local county office, or the official benefits portal.